What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur anytime and are a common issue for homeowners. It can be unpleasant and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t require the plumber immediately. In this blog post, we will guide you through some simple steps to unclog your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be resolved by using simple tools like plungers, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we start it is essential to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- Hook for the Wire Coat or Plumbing Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Shut off your water source valve.
The first thing to do when confronted with a blocked toilet is to turn off the supply of water that is behind the toilet. This will ensure that there is no further water entering the tank as you attempt to clear it. The valve is typically situated at the bottom of the tank, on one side.
Step 2: Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Hands must be protected from potential bacteria or germs found in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool to use for getting rid of blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down to the plunger, until all air is released, then press it hard over the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge upwards and downwards for around 20 seconds. The suction created when you plunge back and forth can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled motion.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains, if they are close enough to stop the air from escaping when you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar mixture.
If the plunge doesn’t work you can try this other method - pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. It may fizz before it slows down, pour hot water down (not boiling) to eliminate the blockage.
Step 5: Use a wire coat hanger or plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda/vinegar methods have failed, then it is the right time to utilize the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until have a thin, long wire with hooks that are bent at one end, or you can use it as a plumbing snake which is made specifically to clear drain clogs. Install the snake in the drain hole in your toilet and twist, turn, push and pull till you experience a resistance. there’s usually a blockage is. Gently try to break up any blockages using back-and-forth motion without causing damage to your drainpipe.
Note:
- Do not overdo pulling or pushing actions hard as they can result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and test the result.
Once you’ve removed any blockages, it is essential to turn on your water valve that is behind your toilet. Then flush it several times to ensure that all water flows smoothly now!
| Tools | Description |
|---|---|
| Rubber Gloves | Hand protection from potential bacteria or germs present in the toilet bowl. |
| Plunger | Most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. |
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Mixture to use if plunging doesn’t work. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes, then pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage. |
| Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake | Tools to use if both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed. Straighten the wire coat hanger until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
Some of the more frequent symptoms of a blocked toilet is when water rises to the top after flushing. You might also notice that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming out of the bathroom.
What should I do if my toilet is blocked?
If you believe the toilet is clogged then avoid flushing it over again since this could cause flooding. Instead, shut off water flow at the valve behind the toilet and use a plunger to try to eliminate any blockages. If this fails, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are a variety of things you can do to stop your toilet from being blocked. This includes avoiding flushing non-degradable products like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool into the toilet. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as it can cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I call an experienced plumber about the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried flushing your toilet but it still isn’t unblocking, or you think there’s a bigger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to call in an experienced professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve had years of experience with every kind of plumbing issue and can swiftly diagnose and fix any issues with the least impact on your property.
When should I get my drains cleared?
It is suggested that you have clean your drains by professionals like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will help prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly encounter blockages in your drains or slow draining of water despite taking precautions not to clog the drains, then annual cleaning can be beneficial.
These techniques are fairly simple to implement and the majority of these products are easily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before panicking after attempting all these techniques, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re in search of professional help with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
